KATHMANDU: A 63-year-old cricket umpire, Manik Gupta, lost his life after being attacked by a swarm of wasps during a local match in Uttar Pradesh.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Sapri Ground in Shuklaganj, where Gupta, affiliated with the Kanpur Cricket Association, was officiating a game.

During the second innings, while players were taking a drinks break, a large swarm of wasps suddenly entered the field and began attacking both players and the umpire.

Several players and Gupta fell to the ground attempting to escape the stings, which are the recommended immediate response to such attacks.

Despite their efforts, the wasps continued stinging, causing panic on the field.

Reports indicate that 10 to 12 players were injured.

Gupta, who sustained severe stings, was rushed to a private nursing home in Kanpur.

After initial treatment, he was referred to another facility due to the seriousness of his condition.

Unfortunately, he passed away during medical care.

Eyewitnesses said the swarm attacked while players were hydrating on the field.

One player from Lucknow was reportedly stung multiple times.

Similar incidents have occurred in India before.

A swarm attacked players during an India ‘B’ versus England Lions one-day match in Thiruvananthapuram, causing injuries but no fatalities.